Recently, the government of Korea approved the development and construction project of a new 4th generation synchrotron facility in Cheongju, Chungbuk. The project will establish a new synchrotron radiation source that consists of 4 GeV accelerator, 800 m circumference storage ring, and 10 primary beamlines. For the next two decades, the researchers of Korea could find opportunities to participate in developing new scientific programs in various ways. To arouse the interest of young talents, I would like to introduce a historical review of x-ray spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation sources. The development of x-ray spectroscopy has been boosted by the strong and tunable x-ray photon sources provided in the synchrotron. Conversely, it has been an important impetus for the relentless evolution of synchrotron radiation sources. Now, the 4th generation synchrotron source will provide enhanced experimental capabilities with brighter, more coherent, and better-focused photon beam. Finally, I would like to discuss about our spectroscopic capability and the future of our research.